Outward APP, which provides interactive advanced passenger information (i-API), was put in place following legislation enacted by the Australian Government to help improve Australia’s border integrity and national security. As part of these measures, airlines are required to provide data for all travellers departing Australia in advance of their flight. The airline transmits each passenger’s data to the department during check-in, receiving in response a “board”/“no board” message in real-time.

Passengers who are pre-cleared for departure through this process are allowed to quickly self-process through passport control by using the SmartGate in Australia’s international airports.

John Gibbon, Assistant Secretary Traveller Branch at the Department of Immigration and Border Protection, said: “Outward APP delivers a faster and more seamless experience for travellers, while meeting our business needs to manage threats and ensure the integrity of Australia’s border.”

Ilya Gutlin, SITA President, Asia Pacific, added: “Australia has long been recognised as a leader and innovator in the area of border management. This sophisticated Outward APP programme builds on the existing solutions that SITA has been providing to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection since 2000, when the country geared up for the influx of arrivals for the Olympic Games. Working in sync with the airlines, Australia now runs advance, automatic checks on every passenger arriving or departing the country, making the journey smoother for authorised travellers while addressing issues with persons of interest.”